My Journey to Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton: Insights from an Admitted MBA Applicant

Last Updated on July 29, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Houston native Jay Bhandari has become the talk of the town after being accepted into not one, but three prestigious business schools – Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. With acceptance rates at these schools ranging from 8% to 23%, Bhandari’s accomplishment cannot be understated.

Bhandari boasts an impressive academic and professional background. He studied economics at Georgetown University and then went on to work in real estate private equity at Blackstone. After gaining valuable experience there, he made the transition to the New Ventures group at thredUP, a leading online marketplace for secondhand apparel. Bhandari played a crucial role in the development of Resale-as-a-Service, a venture that powers resale platforms for top fashion brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Athleta, and Madewell.

Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Bhandari made the bold decision to switch coasts and pivot his career to San Francisco. While at thredUP, he also had the unique opportunity to witness the company’s transition to becoming a public entity, granting him invaluable insights into leading a substantial organization during a tumultuous economic period.

Motivated by mentors who spoke highly of their transformative experiences at top MBA programs, Bhandari was inspired to pursue an MBA himself. He believes that the two years of an MBA program will not only provide him with opportunities for personal and professional growth but also grant him access to an extensive network and valuable resources.

“My mentors’ stories and the strong friendships they formed during their time in business school really resonated with me,” Bhandari shared. “I am excited to embark on this journey and see where it takes me.”

In future articles, Poets&Quants will dive deeper into Bhandari’s interviews at Harvard, Wharton, and Stanford, providing valuable insights and advice for prospective applicants. This story serves to celebrate the achievements of an extraordinary MBA applicant and aims to provide guidance and inspiration for aspiring business school candidates.

The success story of Jay Bhandari not only highlights his accomplishments but also serves as motivation for those aspiring to pursue an MBA and take their careers to new heights.